Harrogate’s famous diving club makes fresh start

Harrogate District Diving Club returned to Harrogate this week after more than three years of disruption caused by covid and the refurbishment of the Hydro.

The club has an enviable record of producing talent, including Olympic champion Jack Laugher. It also caters for people who want to dive for fun and runs DiveAbility sessions for children with additional needs.

But it has been a frustrating few years: the delayed re-opening of the Hydro meant club members had to travel to Shipley to practice, not knowing when they would be able to return to their home pool.

Numbers dwindled but the new look club returned to the newly named Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre last week.

A host of new appointments have been made, including Albany Thompson, from Leeds Diving Club, as head coach.

Albany Thompson

New chair Mandy Ward said:

“It’s a brand new start to build the club back up. It’s been a difficult period but the investment in the leisure centre means diving in Harrogate has been secured for at least another 20 years.

“Now we need to get more people aware of it and help the club grow.”

Chloe Blackburn prepares to dive.

The pool, which is run by Brimhams Active, a leisure company controlled by North Yorkshire Council, has a one-metre board, a five-metre board and two three-metre boards.

Many local divers have achieved national coaching positions around the world but Ms Ward said anyone aged six or above who can swim and isn’t afraid of deep water was welcome to join.

For more details email diveharrogate@gmail.com

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